Buyers for Warhol and Calder

LONDON — A 1963 painting from Warhol’s famous “Death and Disaster” series and an early standing mobile by Calder — works by artists who have stood the test of time — were among the top sellers in a solid contemporary art auction at Sotheby’s here on Thursday night.

Bidding was cautious, as dealers and collectors thought carefully before shopping. Still the sale showed that when the price is right, there is still cash to be spent on classic, conservative art. The evening totaled $41.9 million, just below its low $45 million high estimate. Of the 40 works on offer only three failed to sell.

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